Is It True That Being On The Computer For A Long Time Will Hurt My Eyes?
Published: October 13, 2020 · Last reviewed on this site: 2026-10-30
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The question
Dear TeenHealthFX,
is it true that being on the computer for a long time can hurt my eyes? What about my phone?
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The answer
As the years have passed and computer/phone usage has drastically increased there have been rumors that it can permanently damage your eyesight. Luckily, this is not true. According to [Harvard Medical School and [WebMD, the constant use of technology will not cause your vision to get worse, but may cause some discomfort and eye strain.
Regardless of whether or not you currently wear glasses, the constant use of computer screens and phones can cause dry eyes, eye fatigue (tired), and possibly headaches. Since most schools are virtual and majority of your tasks require some form of on-line work, there are some steps you can take to help prevent eye strain:
- Use the [20-20-20 method: Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Make a conscious effort to blink. This will help prevent your eyes from feeling dried out.
- Use night mode or lower the brightness of your screen or phone to lessen the strain.
- Get your eyes checked by an optometrist. Annual eye exams are important to make sure your eyesight and eye itself are healthy.